Former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has sought to amend her legal suit challenging the final forfeiture of her assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, her counsel Godwin Iyinbor informed Justice Inyang Ekwo that a motion had been filed to amend her originating processes and the EFCC had been duly served.
Justice Ekwo, noting the absence of EFCC counsel, confirmed that Alison-Madueke’s legal team had received a counter-affidavit from the anti-graft agency.
Iyinbor responded that they had filed a further affidavit addressing the counterclaims.
The court adjourned the hearing on the motion for February 17, 2025.
Alison-Madueke initially filed suit FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023 seeking to overturn the EFCC’s public notice for the sale of her seized assets, claiming procedural unfairness and lack of jurisdiction in the orders. She argued that the orders should be voided as a matter of justice, asserting she was denied a fair hearing in the proceedings leading to the forfeiture.
The EFCC, through a counter-affidavit by its detective Rufai Zaki, urged the court to dismiss her application.
This case is separate from another lawsuit where Alison-Madueke is seeking ₦100 billion in damages, alleging defamation by the EFCC in its public statements about her.
